A striking new bull sculpture has been installed at Rathcroghan Visitor Centre in Tulsk, creating a distinctive new landmark that celebrates the area’s rich mythology, heritage, and cultural identity.
The project, led by Tulsk Action Group CLG, has been supported through the 2023–2027 LEADER Programme under the Economic Development and Job Creation theme and the Rural Tourism & Recreation sub-theme.
The sculpture represents Finnbennach, the legendary White Bull of Connacht, associated with the epic Táin Bó Cúailnge and the stories of Queen Medb and King Ailill.
Fabricated from steel and galvanised to ensure durability and weather resistance, the sculpture reflects the distinctive white bull imagery associated with the folklore and mythology of the Rathcroghan and Tulsk area.
Located in front of the Rathcroghan Visitor Centre, the sculpture provides a striking new feature for visitors and the local community.
The striking new bull sculpture which has been installed at the Rathcroghan Visitor Centre in Tulsk.
Daniel Curley, manager of the Rathcroghan Visitor Centre, said: “All at Rathcroghan are delighted to see the installation of the new bull sculpture by artist Liam Kavanagh now in place at Rathcroghan Visitor Centre. This collaboration with the LCDC and LEADER Programme represents Finnbennach, the mythical White Bull of Connacht, and the cause of Queen Medb’s cattle raid into Ulster in our national epic tale, Táin Bó Cúailnge.
“This sculpture is a striking addition to the village and will serve as a new visual landmark for both locals and visitors into the future by providing a pathway into the rich archaeology, history, mythology, and heritage of Rathcroghan and the wider Roscommon area.”
The new sculpture provides a strong visual connection between Rathcroghan Visitor Centre and the area’s ancient mythology, helping to bring the stories and traditions associated with the landscape to life.
It also creates a distinctive feature for Tulsk and Rathcroghan, helping to make the visitor centre more recognisable to those travelling through the village and contributing to the area’s tourism offering.
Tomás Beades, operations manager from Roscommon LEADER Partnership, said: “This project provides a fantastic addition to the tourism offering in Tulsk. The sculpture gives Rathcroghan Visitor Centre a strong visual identity and helps make the centre more recognisable to visitors, particularly those travelling through the village on foot or by bicycle. It is a unique feature for Co Roscommon and complements the wider work being done to promote Rathcroghan as an important destination for heritage, archaeology and mythology.”
The project, led by Tulsk Action Group CLG, has been supported through the 2023–2027 LEADER Programme under the Economic Development and Job Creation theme and the Rural Tourism & Recreation sub-theme.
The new sculpture adds another visual and engaging element to the Rathcroghan Visitor Centre experience while contributing to the continued promotion of Tulsk and the wider Rathcroghan area as a destination for visitors interested in Ireland’s ancient heritage and mythology.
For more information on the LEADER Programme in Co Roscommon, visit: www.roscommonleaderpartnership.ie
